Jane McDonald’s Caribbean | Preview (Channel 5)

Jane’s adventures are set against the backdrop of the idyllic islands’ blue skies, sparkling seas and picture postcard beaches.

Known for singing her way across the high seas, this series marks a new chapter for Jane McDonald as she takes a trip of a lifetime — solo to the Caribbean.

Her first port of call is the home of rum, Barbados. We find Jane sitting in the warmth of her kitchen, taking the steps needed to create her itinerary for this trip. For her first solo trip, Jane finds security in booking it through a travel agent to minimise stress and to be certain of guarantees for her holiday.

After all, there’s no point booking a trip like this only to lose your money should something unforeseen happen! Once packed, Jane’s off, taking a direct flight to Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados. And as soon as the plane doors open, the warm air hugs Jane, and her shoulders drop.

We are officially in Caribbean chill mode. Arriving at night, we wait for the morning to see what delights lie beyond her hotel room. And it doesn’t disappoint, as Jane picked a hotel where every room opens up to a silky stretch of beach edged by the Caribbean Sea. After the obligatory sandals off, sand between the toes moment, Jane bumps into two fellow Brits from Yorkshire.

Together, they embark on our first must-do trip in Barbados — snorkelling. This trip sees our explorers swim with protected turtles, and dive to the famous sunken wreck in Carlisle Bay, the Berwind, which is one of the top dive spots in Barbados.

Curious to find out more about the island, Jane books Dawn Lisa, a private tour guide who is an absolute fount of all local knowledge. Dawn points out magical sights that leave Jane in awe of the flora, fauna and culture of the island. The Jeep safari is topped off as Dawn takes Jane to the north of the island for some cave swimming — an enchanting experience under a coral roof and filled with warm frothing sea water.

As well as beaches, Barbados is known for its fine dining. So after making friends with Dawn, Jane bags a table with two other fellow holiday makers at exclusive beach side restaurant The Lone Star, where they feast on the local speciality — anything with fish! Finally, you can’t leave Barbados without sampling the rum. After all, this island is the birthplace of the sweet stuff.

Jane meets the family who have made it their mission to restore one of the island’s four distilleries to its former glory, the St Nicholas Abbey distillery. And as an added surprise, the family have installed an old-fashioned steam train to take visitors around the manicured estate gardens.

Jane McDonald’s Caribbean begins Sunday 27th March at 9pm on Channel 5.